As of July 2021, you cannot install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, as the upgrade is only available as part of the Windows Insider Program. However, after installing Windows 11, you can remove, delete or unlink your Microsoft account from your computer and use a local account instead. Of course, you won’t be able to update to the latest Windows 11 builds and access all the cool new features like Widgets, Android apps support, and more. But you will still be able to use the latest desktop operating system. So, let’s find out how you can remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11.
Removing Microsoft Account from Windows 11 (2021)
In this article, we will show you how to delete your Microsoft Account from any Windows 11 computer. You can do this in a number of ways, including the Settings, Control Panel, and User Accounts menu. We will also show you how to create a local account because without it Windows will not allow you to remove a Microsoft Account from your computer. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Things to Remember Before Removing Your Microsoft Account
As you will see later in this article, removing a Microsoft Account from Windows 11 is a relatively easy task. However, there are a few things you should know before embarking on this path. Here they are:
- First, if you want to disconnect a Microsoft account from your computer, Change your account type instead of removing your Microsoft account from your computer. This will keep all your files, folders, apps and settings. Basically, you will be using the same account with the same data but a changed name. In addition, you will not be able to access some of the associated Microsoft services and features.
- Second, if you have made up your mind, you will need a local account with Administrator privileges to be able to remove your Microsoft account from Windows 11.
- Third, removing your Microsoft account will delete all data in that account. If you have important files and do not want to lose them, we recommend that you create a backup.
- fourth, reports suggest Windows 11 Home may require a Microsoft account for installation and setup, even if it is a stable version. If we act according to these reports, only the “Pro” version allows you to install the OS with a local account.
- Finally, removing your Microsoft account from a computer does not delete the actual online account. It can still be accessed via a web browser using your credentials.
While a Microsoft account is currently required to install Windows 11, that will likely change when the operating system receives a stable release for all compatible devices. This means you won’t technically need to add a Microsoft account to use Windows 11 (at least the Pro version).
Migrating from Microsoft Account to Local Account
You don’t necessarily have to remove your Microsoft account to use a local account on your Windows 11 PC. Instead, you can switch to a local account where none of the Windows services can automatically log in. In this case, you will have to manually log into each service to use them on your computer. So, let’s see how you can switch from a Microsoft account to a local account in Windows 11.
- First, open the Settings app using the Windows 11 keyboard shortcut Windows key + I. From Settings “accountsselect ” in the left pane and select “Your information” in the right pane.
- On the next page, under Account Settings, click “Sign in with a local account instead“.
- You will now need to confirm your identity before switching. On the next page, confirm your Microsoft account ID and click “Next“.
- Now enter your password for this account and hit OK.
- On the next page, enter your username (required) and password (optional). Finally, “NextPress the ” button.
note: You can leave the password section blank as it is not mandatory. If you don’t want a login password for your local account, choose your username and continue.
Create Local Account on Your Windows 11 PC
If switching from Microsoft account to local account doesn’t work, you need to start the process of removing a Microsoft account from your computer. The first step towards this involves creating a local account with Administrator privileges. To create a local account on your Windows 11 computer, follow these steps:
- “Settings -> Accounts“Part. Click Now”Family and other users” in the right pane.
- Next, turn off your internet connection. Now, find the “Add another user” option and click “add accountnext to the ” button.
note: It is best to do the above step without being connected to the internet. This way, you will have the option to create a local account directly. However, if you are connected to the internet, select . “I don’t have this person’s login -> add a user without a Microsoft account” Then on the next two screens, move on to the next step.
- Enter your chosen username below “Who will use this computer?”. Choose a password (optional), re-enter the password correctly and “Next“. A new local account will be created immediately with the credentials you selected.
note: As explained earlier, passwords for local accounts are optional, not mandatory. If you don’t want it for your local account, you can leave the password field blank..
Change Account Type from Standard User to Administrator
By default, all new accounts are “Standard User” accounts in Windows 11. This means that you will now have to manually change the account type of your new account to “Administrator”. This is how you do it:
- Go to “Settings -> Accounts -> Family & other users” page and click on the username of the newly created account. Next, “Change Account TypeClick the ” button next to the account options.
- From the window that opens, click the drop-down menu and click “executive“. Finally, hit the “OK” button to apply the change.
How to Remove Microsoft Account from Windows 11
Method 1: Remove Microsoft Account Via Settings
If switching to a local account is not enough and you want to completely get rid of a Microsoft account on your Windows 11 computer, follow the step-by-step guide below:
- First, sign in from an Administrator account separate from the Microsoft account you’re trying to remove. You can create a different administrator account (local or Microsoft) or reveal the hidden Administrator account on your Windows PC.
- Next, “Settings -> Accounts -> Family & other users“.
- Under Other users, select the Microsoft account you want to get rid of. Now, “To pick upNext to the “Account & Data” option.
- Finally, confirm your selection as follows: Clicking on “Delete account and data” in the confirmation popup. This will remove your Microsoft account from that Windows 11 computer.
Method 2: Remove Microsoft Account via Control Panel
Another way to remove or delete your Microsoft account (or any user account for that matter) is via the Control Panel. Here’s how:
- Open Control Panel on your Windows 11 PC. To do this, search for “control” (without the quotes) in the Windows search bar and click “Control Panel” from the results.
- In the Control Panel, make sure to use the small or large icons view. Next, “user accounts“.
- Then, if you are using the “Category” view, click “Remove user accounts”. Or if you are using the “Icons” view (small or large), “Manage another account“. Either way, you’ll be on the same page.
- On the next page, click on the target Microsoft account.
- Next, “Delete the account” choice.
- You will now be presented with two options for what Windows should do with your files: “Delete Files” or “Keep Files”. The first option deletes all files, while the second saves only some files, not all. Choose your preferred option. Whichever you choose, the Microsoft account will be deleted on your Windows 11 PC.
Method 3: Remove Microsoft Account via User Accounts Panel
The third and final way to delete a Microsoft account from your Windows 11 computer is through the User Accounts Panel. Here’s how to do this:
- Hungry “To run” dialog box, using the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut. Now, enter:netplwiz” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
- In the User Accounts window, select the Microsoft account you want to remove and then click the “Remove” button.
- Finally, “Yup” on the pop-up window to confirm your selection. It will remove the selected Microsoft account from your Windows 11 PC.
Use Local Account on Your Windows 11 Computer
The tutorial above shows you three easy ways to remove a Microsoft account from your Windows 11 computer. So go ahead, follow our guide to delete or unlink your Microsoft account from your computer and use a local account instead. In the meantime, check out our other helpful Windows 11 tutorials, including how to turn off notifications in Windows 11, stop automatic updates in Windows 11, and take a screenshot in Windows 11. Adapt to the new operating system, learn how to go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 in a few simple steps.
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